Toothache

Adult HouseCalls Online

DEFINITION

• Pain or discomfort in a tooth

General Information

• Main cause of toothache is tooth decay (cavities).
• Complications of tooth decay can also cause a toothache, for example: abscess (pus pocket) around base of tooth and skin infection of cheek area overlying a tooth.

Caution: Rarely individuals may have a toothache or jaw pain as the sole symptom of a heart attack. Usually there will be other accompanying symptoms of a heart problem, such as: chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea and/or sweating.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Toothache followed TOOTH INJURY

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WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

• Very weak (can't stand)

Call Your Dentist or Doctor Now (night or day) If:

• You feel weak or very sick
• Severe pain and not improved after taking pain medication
• Fever is present
• Face is swollen
• Tongue is very swollen and tender

Call Your Dentist Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

• You think you need to be seen
• Toothache present longer than 24 hours
• Brown cavity visible in the painful tooth
• Red or yellow lump (pus pocket) present at the gum line of the painful tooth

Call Your Dentist During Weekday Office Hours If:

• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home If

• Mild toothache present less than 24 hours and you don't think you need to be seen

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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD TOOTHACHE

1. Reassurance: Most toothaches are temporary and due to a sensitive tooth.  If the pain becomes worse or doesn't resolve in 24 hours, it could due to a small cavity.
2. Floss: Floss on either side of the painful tooth to remove any wedged food.
3. Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
   • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
   • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
   • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
4. Local Cold: Apply an ice pack to the painful jaw for 20 minutes
5. Expected Course: Most minor causes of toothache resolve in less than a day.
6. Call Your Dentist If:
   • Toothache persists longer than 24 hours
   • The toothache becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.